Science Fiction Favorites

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Isaac Asimov

Length: 5 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

"You may have noticed that I speak of pocket computers. The story was written in 1957 before there were any pocket computers, and now there are. So, it's a little prediction that I managed to make. Of course, the pocket computers I thought of weren't quite like the ones they have now, but that's a detail." - Isaac Asimov

More than 50 years after publishing his first story, Hugo Award-winning author Asimov remains one of the great names in science fiction. Almost single-handedly he transformed the field from the romantic and Gothic legacy of Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs into the rational, clear-minded genre that exists today. In such classics as The Foundation Quartet, Asimov captured imaginations with tight, intricate plots set in distant but believable futures. Many of his innovations, such as the Three Laws of Robotics, are now stock devices in science fiction writing and films, and his ability to tap into his extensive knowledge of science and technology gives his fiction a veracity unmatched by any other writer in the field.

This selection of some of Asimov's most enduring and unforgettable stories is read by the author himself. These vintage tales encompass the full range of Asimov's versatility, while displaying his puckish sense of humor.

©1990 Nightfall, Inc.
(P)1975 Listening Library

AWESOME STORIES READ BY ASIMOV HIMSELF

I remember reading these short stories many years ago. I was a great delight to have the author, himself read the stories. It was an even bigger thrill when he shared his insight in between stories. THIS WAS AWESOME. I will probably listen to it again.

Great text, great audio quality, read by the author himself.

This is one of the most prolific writers in the history of mankind reading a personal selection of his own texts!
I'm kind of a fan of dr. Isaac Asimov. When I first saw this book on audible it was an instant buy. As soon as I begin listening to it, I had goosebumps all over. By the end of the last story I had a tear forming on my eye, not only because the last story is beautifully sad, but because it was the end of the book.
Well, if you like science, if you like stories, and you appreciate good well writen stuff: this is the way to go.
If you don't know Asimov: you are missing a huge chunk of good literature, you should try and catch on with his books as soon as possible. Try out "THE LAST QUESTION" - read it, be in complete awe, and then come and buy this audiobook and rush to chapter 9.
Now- I wonder what can I get here that will get as thrilled as this audiobook did!

I Heart Asimov!

It is rather amazing (to me at least) how great these stories are. I mean, granted that his ideas about the Multivac, a computer that is miles long and requires specialist to interpret the results, is a long way from the way things actually turned out, but usually the kernel of the idea that he was playing with in a story has merit worth of examination. I especially liked the story where everyone forgot how to perform arithmetic. (After hearing this one, I computed the tip for a meal out by hand that evening, instead of pulling out the calculator in my cell phone, just to honor Dr A.)

Of course, Asimov did not sound anything like I expected, but he did well in the narration and his comments before and after really helped me understand why he wrote a story in the first place.

I had never heard of most of these stories, so they were off the usual beaten Asimov path. I especially liked the last one, "The Ugliest Boy in the World". The purpose of this story was less interested in examining some scientific principle and more of a character piece. (And it may be the best thing that he has ever written.)

I will probably never listen a second time to most of the books that I download from Audible, but that will not be the faith of this one.

Loved it

What a delight to hear the great Asimov read some of his stories-and hey, science fiction masterpieces! Enjoy!

C. Drabek

Not the best narrator

Asimov is not the best narrator for these stories. His accent (Neew York?) gets in the way. The editing leaves something to be desired. There is a very short pause between one short story and the next and that can be confusing. At times, his voice drones.
But i have rarely heard such passion in reading a story, in relating a tale. The stories mean more to him than a meal ticket, more than meets the eye (and ear) at first.
THE UGLY LITTLE BOY more than justifies buying this book.

the author atvhis best

i found the author's voice a bit distracting, but it was interesting to hear his interpretation. i appreciated his story selectolion, many of my favorites are there.

Short stories of Asimov read by the author

I have read most of his Sf books, but had not encountered any of these short stories. Not long and worth listening.

very entertaining

mr. Asimov was a brilliant man he tells a great story His science fiction is awesome and he reads it himself how can you go wrong

Asimov's enthusiasm is infectious

I've been a fan of Asimov for 40 years and had no idea what a delightful person he was. His reading of his works is much much better than a professional narrator because he transmits the joy he felt in writing his stories, and also the joy he felt in sharing them. And between the stories he gives fascinating little introductions.

Asimov's personal coments give insight to story

What did you love best about Science Fiction Favorites?

Asimov's personality

What other book might you compare Science Fiction Favorites to and why?

Ray Bradbury's "Fantastic tales of Ray Bradbury" Here to the man and his coments about his wrightings.

What does Isaac Asimov bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

the feal for the author as a person.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

adding the man and the story gives a better feeling for the hole.